There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting embrace of a homemade cobbler on a chilly evening. This Southern Pecan Cobbler recipe is a delightful blend of buttery, crisp pecans and a sweet, slightly tangy filling, all nestled under a golden-brown biscuit topping. It's the perfect dessert for family gatherings, potlucks, or simply a cozy night in. Forget complicated recipes; this easy recipe makes a delicious dish that will impress everyone, even the most discerning dessert lover. It's one of those healthy meals you don't have to feel guilty about!
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen peaches, sliced (or a mix of peaches and other fruits like blueberries or blackberries)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This is a crucial step for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated. Don't overmix; you want to retain the fruit's shape.
- Stir in the pecan halves.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Make the Topping:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly prevents the butter from melting, resulting in a flakier topping.
- Stir in the buttermilk until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Bake the Cobbler:
- Drop spoonfuls of the topping evenly over the fruit filling. You don't need to spread it perfectly; a rustic look is charming.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Let cool slightly before serving. This allows the cobbler to set and makes it easier to cut.
Tips for the Best Southern Pecan Cobbler:
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sugars, such as brown sugar and turbinado sugar.
- Feel free to add a tablespoon of bourbon or vanilla extract to the filling for an extra kick.
- If using frozen fruit, there's no need to thaw it beforehand. Just add it directly to the filling.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cobbler. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Variations:
- Apple Pecan Cobbler: Substitute the peaches with 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced.
- Blueberry Pecan Cobbler: Replace peaches with 4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Streusel Topping: For a crispier topping, make a streusel by combining 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle over the fruit filling before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-22g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Cholesterol: 30-40mg Sodium: 150-200mg Carbohydrates: 45-55g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-6g
This Southern Pecan Cobbler recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a classic dessert. It's a perfect addition to any meal, bringing a touch of southern charm to your kitchen. Enjoy!